"There is a sizeable population of Kenyan expatriates working in Somaliland," he noted.

"By Kenya opening a diplomatic post in Hargeysa it will be of benefit to its citizens in Somaliland and also improve our bilateral relations," Jamaa said.

"This is a reality that Mogadishu should respect."

Citizens of the breakaway republic and Kenyans of Somaliland origin celebrated the 23rd anniversary in Nairobi.

"Recognition or no recognition Somaliland remains the best example of how Africans can handle their own affairs and succeed despite enormous challenges," Amina Egal, a 58-year-old citizen of Somaliland residing in Kenya, told AA.

Jamal Mahamud Hassan, who lives in Odense, Denmark, also celebrated the anniversary.

"This is an important day in our calendar," he told AA by phone.

"It is the day the people of Somaliland decided to take their country back and determine their own future," Hassan said.

"It means a lot to millions of Somalilanders in the homeland and all over the globe," he added.